Brief History of Fenugreek

Fenugreek, popularly referred to as Greek Hay, is an herb that naturally thrives in the Mediterranean part of the globe. Fenugreek was traditionally used as a kitchen spice, often a primary ingredient for pickles. But more than a culinary ingredient, fenugreek has long been used for various medicinal purposes.

Ancient Egyptian texts dating back from 500BC recounts how people of the time used to prepare medicinal concoctions derived from Fenugreek seed. Early Egyptians used this fenugreek-derived concoction to treat various physical symptoms ranging from digestive irregularities to menstrual cramps. In the 1900s, fenugreek seeds were used as a main ingredient in the production of Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, a patent medicine widely distributed to treat menstrual disorders.

As it turns out, the ancient fenugreek drink the Egyptians once concocted has not been lost to the modern world. Just the opposite in fact, fenugreek tea remains as popular as ever among today’s tea crazed generation. And with its popularity comes cupful of fenugreek health benefits. Fixing yourself a fresh cup of fenugreek tea is always a good idea. And even if you’re short on time, you can easily find where to buy fenugreek seed tea, and learn how to make a healthy organic fenugreek tea recipe.

Keeps Cholesterol In Check with Fenugreek Tea

The fenugreek plant is known to be a potent source of steroidal saponins. Steroidal saponins are naturally occurring substances that help prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides. This allows fenugreek tea to actively keep cholesterol levels in check, especially lowering that of the low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Relevant studies suggest that people who regularly consume 2 ounces of fenugreek extract have seen a healthy 14% drop in their cholesterol levels, thereby significantly lowering their risk of suffering from a heart attack by 25%.

Fenugreek Tea Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

The fenugreek plant is especially helpful in alleviating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. More than that, studies conducted by an Indian research team suggests that fenugreek, when regularly consumed by patients afflicted with type 1 diabetes, accounts for a 54% drop in urinary sugar levels.

Researchers believe that this natural tendency of fenugreek to control blood sugar is largely due to the presence of galactomannan. Galactomannan is a naturally occurring fiber that has long been recognized to delay sugar absorption to the blood stream.

Helps Facilitate Weight Loss

Today, a growing number of fitness professionals regard fenugreek herbal tea as effective drink for diabetes and weight loss. Not only does fenugreek lower health hazards that are often invisible to the naked eye such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels. Regular fenugreek consumption, as it turns out, also helps keep your body weight in check.

Fenugreek consists of natural soluble fibers that leave the human body feeling full, thereby suppressing appetite. To add to this, fenugreek is also believed to have thermogenic properties that could enhance carbohydrate metabolism.